Missing dog returns home after four years

A lost dog has finally returned home - after being gone for more than four years.

Boston terrier Oreo was discovered wandering Daly City before being reunited with his owner's family thanks to a microchip implanted under his skin.

The device containing his family's contact information was detected during an exam at the Humane Society in San Mateo, officials told the Palo Alto Daily News.

Oreo, who went missing from his owner's yard in 2009, belonged to Ann Guglielmelli, who died last May.

Her grandson Brandon Springer said: "To get a dog back that you thought was gone for good is pretty crazy."

Scott Delucchi, a spokesperson for the Humane Society, added: "This story illustrates the importance of microchips, which can be a lost pet's ticket home.

"Too many people don't know how inexpensive this can be and how easy of a process it is. Hopefully, this happy ending will cause more people to consider this permanent form of identification for their pets."